Program Overview

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Computer Science

Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science encompasses algorithms, programming languages, compilers, databases, artificial intelligence, and more. Students cultivate the skills to design, develop, and test computer programs and systems and learn to apply mathematical methodologies to solve computational tasks.

Learning Outcomes

• Programming: Graduates can design, implement, and test programs that solve significant and meaningful problems, making appropriate design choices that best meet given requirements.
• Reasoning: Graduates can design and analyze algorithms and reason about the correctness and performance of computer programs.
• Communication and Collaboration: Graduates can develop large software systems as part of a team and can document and explain the purpose, design, and implementation of programs.

Program Details

Sample Courses

• CSC 346: Cloud Computing
• CSC 460: Database Design
• CSC 466: Computer Security

Career Fields

• Software development
• Cybersecurity
• Machine learning
• Mobile app development

WUE Eligible?

Yes, at WUE Certain Locations

WUE students attending the UA pay 150% of the in-state resident tuition. Residency in a participating state is not a guarantee of admission to a WUE program. In addition to the UA admission requirements, some WUE programs at the UA have additional criteria such as higher minimum SAT/ACT test scores or high school GPAs. Some programs may also set a limit on the number of WUE students they accept each year due. Information on the WUE programs offered by the UA is available by selecting either UA Main or CAST.

Coursework Location(s)

Main/Tucson, Sierra Vista, Yuma

Areas of Interest

• Business, Economics & Entrepreneurship
• Computer & Information Science
• Education & Human Development
• Interdisciplinary Studies
• Mathematics, Statistics & Data Science

Level of Math

Substantial Knowledge

This strand involves skill and facility with calculus. The S-strand begins at one of two calculus options - MATH 122A/B (Functions for Calculus and First-Semester Calculus) or MATH 125 (Calculus I). Students who successfully complete the S-strand may continue on to MATH 129 (Calculus II), MATH 223 (Vector Calculus), or beyond. Those who choose but are not ready to begin the S-strand will be required to take preparatory work.

Level of Second Language

2nd Semester Proficiency

Second-semester skill level in a second language is required. Non-B.A. degree students may fulfill this requirement with one of the following options: 1. Scoring the equivalent of second-semester skill level on an entrance or placement examination administered by The University of Arizona. 2. Completion with a C or better of a second semester course at the post-secondary level. 3. An AP (Advanced Placement), IB (International Baccalaureate) or CLEP (College Level Entrance Program) language score determined by the individual language department. 4. In the College of Engineering by a method determined within the College; however, all students in the college must also take a language placement examination on entrance to the University.

Pre-major Required?

No

Additional Admissions Requirements

This major has additional admissions criteria. Please see the Computer Science requirement page for more information.

This Major's College

College of Science

Degree

Bachelor of Science

Sample Plans

2025, Computer Science

• 4-Year Sample Plan
• Map Transfer Coursework
• Plan Ahead with a Transfer Pathway

First Year

1st Semester

• CSC 110 - Introduction to Computer Programming I (4 credits)
• MATH 120R - Pre-Calculus (4 credits)
• ENGL 101 - English Composition I (3 credits)
• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3 credits)
• Introduction to the General Education Experience (Entry Course) (1 credit)

2nd Semester

• CSC 120 - Introduction to Computer Programming II (4 credits)
• CSC 144 - Discrete Math for CS I (3 credits)
• MATH 122A/B - Calculus I (5 credits)
• ENGL 102 - English Composition II (3 credits)

Second Year

3rd Semester

• CSC 210 - Software Development (4 credits)
• CSC 244 - Discrete Math for CS II (3 credits)
• CSC Foundation Course (3 credits)
• MATH 313 - Linear Algebra or Calculus II (MATH 129) (3 credits)
• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3 credits)

4th Semester

• CSC 252 - Computer Organization (3 credits)
• CSC 345 - Analysis of Discrete Structures (3 credits)
• Supporting Science (4 credits)
• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3 credits)
• General Elective (3 credits)

Third Year

5th Semester

• CSC 335 - Object-Oriented Programming (3 credits)
• CSC 352 - Systems Programming & Unix (3 credits)
• 1st Semester Second Language (4 credits)
• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3 credits)
• General Elective (3 credits)

6th Semester

• CSC Paradigms Elective Area (3 credits)
• CSC Elective (3 credits)
• CSC 380 - Principles of Data Science (3 credits)
• 2nd Semester Second Language (4 credits)
• General Elective (3 credits)

Fourth Year

7th Semester

• CSC Theory & Writing Elective Area (3 credits)
• CSC Additional Elective (3 credits)
• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3 credits)
• Supporting Science (4 credits)
• General Elective (3 credits)

8th Semester

• CSC Systems Elective Area (3 credits)
• CSC Additional Elective II (3 credits)
• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3 credits)
• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (Upper-Division) (3 credits)
• General Education Portfolio (Exit Course) (1 credit)